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Home » Reuse

Paper or Plastic? Try Reusable

Submitted by Mike on Sunday, May 18, 2008No Comment

Reusable grocery bags not only help the environment, but they can save you money too! Many grocery stores are now offing a credit for each reusable bag you use to pack out your purchase. It may only be a few cents per bag, but if you shop once a week you can easily pay back the purchase price within a few months. In addition, in time the lower overhead for stores in could be a benefit to the cost of your goods.

Bringing your own sack to the store can provide numerous “green credits:” reduction of air pollution; consumption in the manufacture and transport of “disposable bags;” reduced landfill; and reduced litter.

So get yourself a few totes and start saving today!

 

Grocery Bags @ the EasyGreensy Shop

 

Reusable Bag Tips:

·      Consider starting small - Purchase one or two reusable bags at a time. Each time you have a need for more bags add to your stock.

·      Prepare to be surprised - You will be surprised how much you can fit into a reusable bag. Being made of stronger materials you can carry larger heavier loads (and make few trips unloading the car!)

·      Start the habit immediately - After you empty your bags put them back in your vehicle immediately so they are ready for the next trip. Keep the bags where they are visible. It’s very easy to forget your bags in the trunk of a car.

·      If your local grocery store does not offer a credit for reusable bags, ask the manager. Remind them that they will benefit from decreased expenses!

·      Even if you “occasionally” reuse a plastic bag or two, the sad truth is the majority usually end up discarded as most households acquire many more bags than they can use.

 

Environmental Impacts of Standard Paper or Plastic:

·      Plastic bag manufacturing requires petroleum thus adding to our dependency and demand for oil production. 

·      Manufacturing and transportation of disposable bags uses resources and creates pollution.

·      Plastic bags may take up to 1,000 years to degrade in a landfill.

·      Eight billon pounds of plastic bags are thrown away every year in the US. Taking up much needed space in landfills or polluting the air with toxins if they are incinerated.

·      In 1999, 14 million trees were cut to produce paper grocery bags in the US.

·      The production of paper for paper bags requires large amounts of heat and chemicals. Further adding to pollution and consumption of resources.

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